Google appears to be working on a redesigned version of its web-based Gmail client, based on leaked screenshots.
Geek.com has images that show off a responsive design intended to work across multiple screens. The new Gmail looks to use a collapsible navigation menu on the left, and a hangouts interface similarly hidden on the right. There are composition icons on the bottom right, for creating new emails or reminders.
These screens follow an earlier leaked redesign of the mobile Gmail client, with the same aesthetic. It’s thought the overhauls are part of Google’s push to more closely integrate all its apps with wearable and voice-controlled technology. (Via 9to5Google)
Google hasn’t made a major change to mail since 2011, when it introduced its current layout. Some are wondering how longtime users would react to Google’s new look.
TechnoBuffalo says “overall this appears to be a pretty drastic reimagining of the popular Gmail service… Considering how important email is to the professional lives of many, an overhaul of this magnitude could be quite a shock to some…”
There’s no guarantee this will ever make it to the public, nor any indication of when that might happen — leaving the tech press to speculate.
But if Google’s in a sharing mood, we might learn more at its I/O conference next month in San Francisco.
